Janey Godley dies of cancer aged 63 as agent releases heartfelt tribute
Scottish comedian Janey Godley has died at the age of 63, her agent confirmed this morning.
The performer, known for her viral dubbed imitations of Nicola Sturgeon’s Covid-19 briefings, passed away peacefully at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow.
Godley had moved to the hospice for end-of-life care last month after battling terminal ovarian cancer.
The Scottish comedian first shared her ovarian cancer diagnosis in November 2021 before revealing a year later that she had been given the all clear. But a later scan showed signs of cancer in her abdomen.
Her agent said she was surrounded by loved ones in her final moments, adding that she would be “hugely missed by her family, friends and her many fans”.
Her death was also confirmed on Godley’s social media account, with a message saying “love and support” from her followers had been “a huge comfort to us”.
The post read: “Earlier this morning Janey passed away in her sleep.
“Her family were with her. The love and support from all her friends and fans during this cancer journey brought her enormous joy.
“It has also been a huge comfort to us, her family and close friends, thank you.”
Godley rose to prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic with her comedic voiceovers of Nicola Sturgeon’s news briefings.
Her witty and often irreverent takes on the First Minister’s updates became a viral sensation.
In September, Godley cancelled her autumn tour due to complications from her stage four ovarian cancer.
She shared a poignant message with her fans, acknowledging the devastating news of her terminal diagnosis.
“It is devastating news to know that I’m facing end-of-life but we all come to an end sometime,” Godley said.
She expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she had received, particularly thanking her daughter Ashley and her husband.
Her agent noted she would be remembered not just for her viral videos, but for “her hilarious and outspoken comedy, but most of all for just being ‘Janey'”.